How to Improve Your Home Energy Efficiency This Summer

It’s the most expensive time of the year in the Lowcountry! Here’s an energy efficiency checklist to help you save cash for the more important things summer has to offer. Bonus: after a few of these tweaks, you’ll remember how comfortable a truly healthy indoor environment feels like.

GET YOUR HVAC CHECKED

Your HVAC is supposed to run intermittently, not constantly. If you find it’s running non-stop it’s either time for a tune up or, more likely, it’s time to replace your insulation.

HOW DOES YOUR ATTIC INSULATION LOOK?

Thin? Moldy? Sparse or non existent? If you nodded yes to any of these, it’s time replace or upgrade your insulation because it’s doing nothing to improve your indoor comfort. With adequate insulation, your building shell blocks heat gain, so less energy (ie: money) is required to keep your home cool. 

GIVE YOUR CRAWLSPACE A PEEK

Evidence of animal infestation is the most common sign of poor crawlspace insulation. Animals find it easy to pull down & make a home out of batt insulation in crawlspaces. Spray foam insulation provides an air seal in your subfloor to prevent not only conditioned air from escaping, but also to prevent animal tenants.

CHECK FOR LEAKS AROUND WINDOWS + DOORS

Even with the best appliances, insulation & HVAC system, if your home has leaky areas, you’re throwing money away. Don’t worry, a full-on window & door replacement isn’t necessary. Getting an energy-efficiency expert to block drafts with common weatherization products such as insulation, caulks & foam sealants will make a drastic impact on your power bill.

LITERALLY GO GREEN

In older homes with poor insulation, planting trees around your home isn’t just a good aesthetic decision; the added shade will help keep your house cooler by blocking infrared radiation, known to warm houses. This addition won’t provide as much energy savings as upgrading your insulation, which itself blocks heat gain, but it’s a good first step!

DOUBLE UP WITH SPRAY FOAM + SOLAR PANELS

Many homeowners that install solar panels also opt for attic spray foam to increase their energy independence. As stand alone solutions, solar panels & spray foam are energy saving powerhouses. When the two combine, they create the ultimate summer bill reducer.